Dietary Modulation of the Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, is a chronic relapsing-remitting inflammatory state of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The cause of IBD is multifactorial, encompassing factors of genetics, environment, and the host immune system, initiating a complex interplay of maladaptive host immune responses and subsequent chronic inflammation. Aberrant host immune responses are at least in part due to changes in the commensal microbiome, which can in turn affect the development and progression of IBD. Diet is known to directly affect the composition of the microbiota which in turn affects the host immune system. Herein, we review the impact of dietary macronutrients, notable supplements, and selected dietary interventions on the gut microbiota and its effect on the microbiome and host metabolism in patients with IBD. Having diet available as an adjunctive, manageable intervention for patients with IBD will remain a promising area of research for the foreseeable future.